(Wo)man’s best friend at CSUMB

Sadie Stark enjoying her time in the Student Center. Photo by Shaylea Stark.

Princeton Stark enjoying his time in the Student Center. Photo by Shaylea Stark.

Many students attending California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) ask where their animals, specifically and most frequently dogs, are allowed on campus. As dog owners, we are always wanting to bring along our furry friends, but are often afraid to due to the harsh feeling of rejection when dogs are not allowed. CSUMB outlines their dog and animal policy online at csumb.edu for all students to see what is expected from our canine companions.

On the Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals FAQ page, that takes awhile to navigate through, under the question “Is my animal allowed on campus?” the response says, “CSUMB has an Animals On Campus Policy. Service Animals are allowed in campus buildings and we ask that students register with Student Disability Resources (SDR).”

Although this response is primarily regarding service animals, the Animals on Campus Policy that is addressed does share more information about the campuses feelings towards dogs that aren’t service related. The Animals on Campus Policy begins with stating that the purpose of the policy is intended to, “…protect the University community from hazards associated with or caused by animals, both domestic and wild… This policy is intended to optimize the safety and health of faculty, staff, students, and visitors as it relates to animals on campus and to reflect the University’s commitment to the principles, goals, and ideals described in the CSUMB Vision and its core values.”

“For this policy, the following definitions shall apply: Domestic Animal: An animal that has been trained or adapted to living in a human environment. Such animals include, but are not limited to dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and other types of household pets… Domestic animals are not allowed in campus buildings where campus business is conducted, including residence halls.”

The definition of domestic animals that the University provides is to clarify for dangerous situations that might involve a wild or feral animal, which they also provide definitions for. The campus definition of a domestic animal does include that they are not allowed in campus buildings, unless they are a registered service animal. The campus animal policy includes extensive information on service animals and emotional support animals, in regards to their presence on campus and how they should be looked after.

“Fecal matter deposited by any domestic animal brought to campus must be removed immediately and properly disposed of by the owner.

Domestic animals found tethered, unattended or abandoned shall be humanely impounded in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. The University reserves the right to prohibit domestic animals from any campus event.”

Despite having such strict rules on campus regarding dogs, Shaylea Stark, our Advertising and Distribution Manager, was able to take her dogs on a small photo shoot around the campus to test out the waters on how strict these policies are enforced at CSUMB. Stark was able to photograph her dogs, Sadie, a lab and border collie mix, and Princeton, an elderly chihuahua, in various locations around campus including: the student center, the B.I.T. building and the library.

“As long as your dogs are nice, cute and well behaved. No one really cares where I take my dogs. I also make sure that I clean up after them wherever they go,” said Stark.

If you would like to read the Animals on Campus Policy, you can find it on CSUMB’s website.